Teen Certified as Adult to Stand Trial in Assault of Ray Widstrand

An adult certification hearing was held Thursday for a 15-year-old boy arrested in connection with the beating of a 26-year-old St. Paul man.

According to the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, Charles Redding was certified in Ramsey County Juvenile Court to stand trial as an adult for his role in the Aug. 4 assault of Ray Widstrand.

Charles was charged with two counts of Crime for Benefit of Gang, one count of First Degree Assault and one count of Aggravated Robbery in the First Degree.

The incident happened around 11:40 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, in the area of Payne and Reaney Avenues, according to the criminal complaint. A man hailed down an officer, who was driving in the area, to report a large fight happening nearby.

At the scene, the officer saw about 40 to 50 juveniles and young adults, the charges said. They began running as the squad approached.

On the ground, police found Widstrand lying on his back with his pants off and his shirt torn, according to the complaint. His nose and mouth were bleeding.

He was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. He is still recovering from injuries sustained in the fight.

Charles was expected to make his first court appearance Thursday afternoon.